As the school year approaches, the SnoValley Chamber of Commerce is working to welcome this year’s batch of new Snoqualmie Valley School District teachers with the help of several local businesses.

“New Teacher Welcome Bags” stuffed to the brim with coffee grounds, sunglasses, water bottles, school supplies, stickers and more will introduce 50 teachers to the unique shops and services the Valley offers.

“Unfortunately, a lot of our teachers can’t afford to live here, so there wasn’t a huge connection between them and our area,” said SnoValley Chamber CEO Kelly Coughlin. “So we asked our merchants if they wanted to give a gift to show our appreciation, and we’ve been putting these gift bags together for at least three years now.”

Carousel, a gift shop on Railroad Avenue in Snoqualmie, has been participating in the program for several years, said store manager Cathy Gregory. This year, they’ve donated small bags of candy for each teacher.

“We just think it’s super important to invite them into the Valley and let them know we are here,” Gregory said. “We want to thank them for working for our wonderful children and really welcome them to our community.”

This year’s gift bags include items from Snoqualmie Valley Ice Cream, SnoFalls Credit Union, Trail Youth Coffee Home, Cascade Heated Self Storage, Umpqua Bank, and others.

The school district will pick up the bags and hand them out on new teacher orientation day this fall.

Photo by Kelly Coughlin Business owners dropping off gifts for teachers.